SMOK TFV4 Mini Review

SMOK TFV4 Mini Intro

Today we take a look at the SMOK TFV4 Mini, the smaller brother to the original SMOK TFV4.

With the TFV4 Mini, SMOK have apparently ironed out some of the issues that people were having with the TFV4, specifically in terms of leakage. The TFV4 Mini is also much smaller than the original TFV4 and is only 22mm in diameter. This means it will fit nicely on the majority of mods, but does come with the downside that it only holds 3.5ml of e-liquid.

The TFV4 Mini also comes with an interesting new Clapton coil, a pre-built Clapton RBA/RCA as well as the S6 sextuplet coil. I won’t be trying the Sextuplet in this review, as we have previously reviewed that one in our TFV4 coil review. I’ll be looking at the stock Clapton coils as well as the Clapton RBA section to see how they vape!

Notable Remarks

Vaping the TF-CLP2 0.35Ohm Clapton Coil (30-90W)

40W – Not much happening at 40W.50W – Better vapor and the flavor is rearing its head.60W – Lovely flavor now and thick clouds of vapor. The vapor is nice and warm but not too hot.70W – This is where I would vape this coil. Delicious flavor and nice big clouds of vapor.80W – Actually I’d probably vape this at 75W. At 80W it is starting to get on the warmer to hot side of things, but the flavor is outstanding.90W – Just a bit too hot for my liking and verging on a burnt hit, but jeez that flavor is darn good!

My sweet-spot for the TF-CLP2 Clapton coil is around 70-80W.

Note: The TFV4 Mini uses the same coils as the TFV4 and they can be interchanged with one another. The TFV4 Mini comes with different coils in the kit compared to the regular TFV4. With the TFV4 Mini you get the Clapton CLP2 and a RBA base with Clapton wire, whereas the TFV4 comes with a quadcoil (Q4), a Triple coil and a normal dual coil RBA.

Vaping the TFV-4 Mini RBA Section

SMOK TFV-4 Mini Clapton RBA

​The RBA section on this device is very solid! You can actually use your TFV4 as an RTA which I have been doing for quite some time now. The deck reminds me a little bit of the Lemo however it doesn’t have those holes to insert your leads into. Fortunately Smok makes it super easy for you to trap the leads under the screws, which is usually not such an easy task. There are actually little grooves that help the wire sit once you have the screws loosened up. I found this deck easier to build than the Lemo to be honest. The post holes are a little bit bigger too, so you can use thicker wire without a problem. In fact, it even comes with a clapton coil pre-installed. All you need to do is wick it up and vape it. Wicking can be a little tricky, if your cotton is too long you will block the juice flow and get dry hits, and if it is too short you will get leaking. It works great when wicked just right.

Likes

Size

SMOK TFV-4 Mini

The much smaller size of the TFV4 mini compared to the original, makes it a lot better looking and means it is also a standard 22mm in diameter. This means it will sit nicely on the majority of box mods. I also think the TFV4 mini looks a darn site sleeker than the original TFV4, which was quite fat and ugly looking. The smaller size and sleeker looks of the TFV4 Mini unfortunately also come with a major trade-off. The juice capacity is now just 3.5ml compared to 5ml on the larger version. I will talk about this more in the dislikes section!

Clapton Coils

SMOK TFV-4 Mini Clapton RBA

The CLP2 Clapton coil that comes as standard with this tank, vapes fantastically well. The only Clapton build I have tried that is part of a stock sub ohm tank coil, is the Atom Vapes gClapton and I have to say the SMOK CLP2 outperforms those ones by quite a distance, in both flavor and clouds. I had some major spit-back issues whilst breaking in the CLP2, but once that resided the vape was outstanding and the flavor was gorgeous. I wouldn’t however, go as far as saying it was better than the SMOK quadcoils (Q4) that come as standard with the original TFV4 kit. All I can tell you is that it destroys e-juice just as fast. In terms of clouds I think the Clapton produces bigger and denser clouds compared with the quadcoil, which with a Clapton kinda goes without saying. I guess it is a slightly different vape experience to the quadcoils, but either way your 3.5ml will not be lasting long in this tank (30-40 puffs). Anyway those our my initial thoughts on the CLP2 Clapton coil and once I got it running and past the initial spit-back, I really enjoyed vaping it.

Fixed the Leaking Issues

Many people had leaking issues with their TFV4 tanks and SMOK have said that the TFV4 mini has been improved in this aspect. I can say that, so far, we haven’t had any issues and fingers crossed this stays like this going forward. It seems as though SMOK have managed to fix this issue and hopefully people will not be having major leaking issues with this tank.

Accessories with the TFV4 Mini Kit

The TFV4 Mini kit is not cheap at $44.99, but you do get a plethora of accessories with the kit. Most notably the RBA section with the pre-built Clapton build alongside cotton and extra Clapton wire. You also get a spare glass tank, some spare o-rings, a screwdriver, two different coils and some little vape bands. You get a lot of gear with the kit and you also get a standard instruction leaflet as well as leaflet outlining all the many different TFV4 coils (although this didn’t include the CLP2 on it). At $44.99 you are paying more than other sub ohm tanks on the market, but you do get a lot for your money.

The RBA/RCA Section

You get a great RBA section with the SMOK TFV4 Mini and it is a definite highlight of this kit. The deck comes with the pre-built Clapton coil and is therefore made to accommodate thick wire. The deck itself is fairly easy to build on and is simple and efficient. The RBA section is a great way to enjoy this tank, without spending a fortune on replacement coils.

Dislikes

E-Juice Capacity

This is a bit of a double-edged sword, as the TFV4 mini is smaller and therefore looks better and fits on more mods, given it is 22mm diameter. However, the 3.5ml capacity is not enough for the juice guzzling coils that come with the kit. With the Clapton CLP2 coil, I was getting around 30-35 puffs on one whole tank, before it was completely drained! Re-filling from the top is easy with the hinging top cap and silicon top sleeve, but still if you are vaping heavily you will need to re-fill the Mini very often. If you are happy with that, that’s great, but if you want to be taking this tank out with you, it isn’t a very convenient option, as you will need a juice bottle or two with you to keep up with its vast juice consumption.

Price of Replacement Coils

The replacement coils for the SMOK TFV4 and Mini are very expensive ($25-30 for 5). They are absolutely massive coils and use a lot of material, meaning they also cost a lot more than regular smaller sub ohm tank coils. If you don’t want to end up spending a fortune, I recommend you use the RBA/RCA section and make your own coils, as otherwise buying replacements becomes very unaffordable quite quickly.

Verdict

SMOK TFV-4 Mini on xCube II

The TFV4 Mini is a fantastic sub ohm tank and bar it’s small tank size and expensive replacement coils, there isn’t much to complain about. It is better than the larger TFV4 given that SMOK have improved the seals and thus hopefully solved the leaking issues. It’s smaller size means that it will fit on more mods and also looks a lot sleeker than the larger chubbier version. It also comes with a fantastic Clapton coil (CLP2) and RBA section with extra Clapton wire. It vapes exceedingly well and the flavor is outstanding. If you are not put off by the small juice capacity and pricey replacement coils and want a sub ohm tank that has a lot of coil options and a fantastic RBA deck, then I can definitely recommend this tank. If you want more e-juice capacity, then look at the original TFV4 which uses the same coil heads the TFV4 Mini or take a look at theCrown by Uwell.

Recommended for You

Chris Kendell is the co-founder of Vaping360. He started the website with his brother and co-founder Alex in 2014, after Alex introduced him to vaping. Chris was immediately won over by the revolutionary and potentially lifesaving impacts that vaping can have on our society. In his minuscule spare time, you can find Chris travelling and exploring new places from his base in Germany, eating delicious food and enjoying a range of different sports.

Hey Chris, do you have any feedback in regards to the TF-S6 coils? I read your review on the Uwell Crown and it’s respective coils and it provided a great reference for my first purchase so I was hoping you could provide similar insight on this relatively new coil for me as well.

Antherus

PS: I read your review on the new line of SMOK coils but I was more so curious as to what wattages you felt the flavor was best at and how it compared to the prebuilt Clapton coils specifically.

80-90 for the S6, but for the quadcoil that comes as standard with the standard TFV4 kit, is better in terms of flavor. After some initial major spitback the Clapton CLP2 was a very nice vape. I’d say slightly better than the S6 for flavor. The RBA if wicked correctly is also fantastic. The only issue I have with all these SMOK coils, is the price of replacements and the amount of wastage going on when we through them all out!

Veerapong Suchaiporn

Hey,, I would like to know whether SMOK TF V4 MINI can use the TF Q4 coils or not?

The TFV4 Full-size coils can be used in the Regular TFV4 and the TFV4 Mini…however the TFV4 micro coils not be used unless you buy a kit from SMOK™ that converts the TFV4 mini and full-size to allow them to use micro coils and gives them larger capacity.

Veerapong Suchaiporn

Hey,, I would like to know whether SMOK TF V4 MINI can use the TF Q4 coils or not?

I know that many people feel the coil heads are pricey but, if used with good quality e-liquid I am getting a minimum of 3 weeks from my coils. That for me is amazing.

GrimVapes Now

They are absolutely a great bargain and you can buy them @ http://www.eCigarettEmpire.com for 18.95 for a 5 pack and the micro 5 pack is only 15.95 so yeah actually cheaper then some of the other whimper coils that just can not stack up against these babies!!!

Yildez

I know that many people feel the coil heads are pricey but, if used with good quality e-liquid I am getting a minimum of 3 weeks from my coils. That for me is amazing. I also get them for 18.95-19.95 per 5 pack at ecigaretteempire.com , so if you are looking for a good price for replacement s there you go. That vendor also has One Hit Wonder for 39.95 per 180ml bottle : )

Depends on the oils viscosity and cleanness. If it’s thinner and say CO2 it can work. I use the rebuildable deck with nickle wire for temp control and ReadyXwick. Works better than anything on the market.

Mike Lyno

One thing I will say is that both the single coil RTA and dual coil RTA for the TFV4 will NOT work on the mini. Will screw in but the base is too large for the juice to get to the juice wells resulting in nothing but burned hits. Only the RTA for the mini will work in the mini. I know, I tried it. Comparing the RTA’s you will see what I’m talking about. All stock coils will interchange.

CW Winters

I did not experience this issue, the first coil I used was my dual in the mini. Worked as good as in 24mm tfv.. I have not tried the coils that were included.. After a couple days I tried the mini rba and was impressed. I do like the look of the dual better though..

GrimVapes Now

you are 100% correct the RBA and RCA are not interchangeable between the TFV4 full-size and mini.

Muhammad Zain

I just started vaping.I have been smoking since last 20 years a packet daily.My one of my friend recommended Smoktech Micro starter kit R80.I got it but due to coil prices want to get RBA head.Plz do suggest which one should i get and what about resistace .I dont want much cloud just hard hit to throat.plz

I would like to say the flavor u get with tanks has come a long way. I completely abandoned tanks until I tried this one. I can get about the same flavor & cloud with this TFV4 MINI AS I was dripping.
I love this thing. I also don’t think the 3.5 ml tank is not a bad thing. As someone who was dripping for about the past two years, I like switching up flavors. I don’t want to have to fill a huge tank up then hassle with it after a couple hours because I’m tired of sweet vape.
As for the people who are having trouble with leakage with the RBA/RCA. Just check out some YouTube videos. It’s all about the perfect length of fluffy cotton. Zero leakage, zero dry hits when done right. I promise. I had a little of both the second time I wicked, but it was my fault. Opened her up used a thicker peace a touch longer & done! It’s even amazing how much longer u can go without gunk building on the coil. A+ from me guys.

nah

any thoughts on the mini backup kit with shorty coils and shorter glass but increased Juice capacity?

just put mine together today, problem is br uwell crown arrived in the same shipment so I’ve yet to try the tfv4 mini shorty. looks wise…. sexy times!

B

What watts is good to run the tft4

Patrick

Did anyone try the micro and mini ? both of them ?

Im looking to buy one, the coils are cheaper and it doesnt guzzle so much juice, but whats with vapor and flavour ?

THANKS!

Michael Tillotson

It was ok, but it doesn’t reach the same levels of vapor and flavor for me.

Patrick

Thanks to both of you !

I didnt try the mini, but i did get the micro today.
I like it very much the flavor and vapour is awesome! Compared to my kanger toptank its way better.

Kind regards

Michael Tillotson

I’m having major spit back issues with my TFV4 mini. I’ve changed all of the o-rings and it didn’t help. I use max VG – 80/20 juice at 80-90 watts on a tf-q4 coil. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Matthew Benson

Cook it lightly until you start to hear a slight dry burn. The spitting is from refilling the tank. The longer the tank is open gravity pushes juice into your coil, over saturating it if your not quick. After you carefully cook the access, take a rag and catch the access juice out of the airflow as you exhale into device, be sure to drain it the best you can. You should be good to go afterward.

Michael Tillotson

Thank you, I’ll give it a shot.

Rob

Hey guys I have a r80 smok and running it on a tfv4 mini now I use it on 30watt and 190oc temp the taste is okay what do you think for better taste any ideas on the watts and temp please thanks guys

Garry Arbatov

Hi everybody, that’s a great review, thanks, I learned a lot from it, and I also enjoyed the Q4 coil, but unfortunately I cannot say the same about the RBA coil. I just can’t make it produce even decent flavor. The clouds are great and it doesn’t leak, but the flavor is absolutely subdued to put it mildly. What do I do wrong? I actually pretty much doubt that another micron or two of wick can make the difference! Please advise!

Sammy Allen

Hi all, my smok micro seems to have stopped working. The screen is lit up and can go through all the menus, just no vaping!!! There is a clock looking symbol on the screen when you press the power button to vape, anybody know what this means? Please help.

Carlos Ferreira

The coils used in TFV4 works well in TFV4 Mini?
They are the same coils?

Ally N

I was a lucky duck and got this tank for free. It is hands-down my favorite. I love that I can adjust the airflow in two spots. I love the insanely easy top-fill action (which, let’s face it, happens a lot with the small tank capacity). I love that there are some lower-wattage-friendly coils available for this tank. The TF-T2 and TF-T2 Air are great coils for low-wattage vapers, especially those that don’t like the warm/hot vapor. They also don’t suck up battery life like some others I’ve tried. The only downside is that those replacement coil costs will sneak up on you like a bad hangover. I used this tank religiously with my Smok XCube Mini religiously as a great all-day vape setup and highly recommend it for both beginners and those who like to vape on the lower-wattage side.